ES2788003T3 - Cartridge adapter for use in an infusion set - Google Patents

Abstract

An infusion system (10) for pumping liquid into a user's body, the system comprising - an infusion pump (12) with a housing (21), the housing comprising a cavity (30) for receiving a liquid storage medium (15), - and an adapter (16) that can be connected to a cartridge (14) containing medication, thus forming a liquid storage medium (15) that can be removably inserted into the cavity (30). ), wherein the adapter (16) comprises a hollow needle or cannula (60) for fluidly connecting the adapter (16) to the cartridge (14) through a sealable rubber membrane (46) of the cartridge when the adapter is connected to the cartridge, wherein the adapter (16) comprises an adapter housing (50, 50a, 50b) having a hollow interior (56) for receiving the cartridge (14), and wherein the adapter (16 ) further comprises a connection means (58) to removably connect an infusion set, in which the connection means connection is a Luer connection or a proprietary connection for the infusion set, and wherein the infusion set (10) further comprises a cap (18) for holding the liquid storage medium (15) in place within the cavity (30), coupling the cover (18) to the casing (21) after having inserted the liquid storage means in the cavity, characterized in that the adapter further comprises a fixing means inside the casing ( 50, 50a, 50b) of the adapter to provide a tight fit between the adapter (16) and the cartridge (14).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cartridge adapter for use in an infusion set

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority over US Provisional Application No. 60/976500 filed October 1, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an infusion pump for dispensing drugs. More specifically, it relates to an adapter that can be attached to a liquid cartridge for dispensing medications from the infusion pump.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices that pump drugs into an individual are known and commonly used in the medical industry. Typically, the drugs that are administered from such medical devices depend on the medical condition being treated. For example, it is becoming more and more common to administer insulin using an insulin pump to treat a diabetic patient.

Typically, medical pumps use a reservoir or cartridge that contains the drug to be delivered. Depending on the size of the cartridge to be used, the overall size of the medical pump system can be determined. Because a medical pump is expensive to manufacture, manufacturers typically decide on the cartridge size to use and design their medical pump system based on that consideration. This limits the ability of patients receiving treatments to use only medications predetermined by the manufacture of the medical pump system.

Therefore, there is a need in the medical industry for the flexibility to use any size cartridge in any medical pump. In other words, there is a need to reduce the interdependence of cartridge size and medical pump of choice.

US 2003/0130618 A1 describes a loading mechanism for an infusion pump system. The mechanism comprises a drug reservoir with a plunger and a threaded plunger rod offset relative to the reservoir axis, an adapter for aligning and moving the reservoir, and a core with a handle. The infusion pump comprises a drive screw that is offset relative to the axis of a cylinder of the pump. The pump cylinder receives the assembly comprising the core, adapter, reservoir, plunger, and plunger rod. By rotating the core 90 degrees, the core engages the pump housing and the threaded plunger rod interlocks with the drive screw. US 2007/167912 A1, WO 2005/000378 A2 and US 2002/173748 A1 describe other prior art infusion pumps with advantageous replaceable cartridges.

SUMMARY

It is in the above context that the present invention demonstrates certain advantages and non-obvious advances over the prior art. The scope of the invention is defined by the independent claim. Other embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

The present invention comprises an infusion system for pumping liquid into a body of a user, the infusion system has an infusion pump with a housing, the housing includes a cavity. The cavity is designed to receive a liquid storage medium, so that the liquid storage medium can be removably inserted into the housing. The liquid storage medium comprises a cartridge and an adapter, so that the adapter removably encloses the cartridge. In addition, the infusion set also has a cover that is attached to the infusion set housing to hold the liquid storage medium in place within the infusion pump housing.

The adapter comprises a hollow housing so that the cartridge can be fitted inside the adapter housing. The adapter may also comprise a cannula or needle that can pierce the rubber membrane of the cartridge when the adapter encloses the cartridge. The adapter is designed so that it can receive different size cartridges, but can be adjusted on the infusion pump.

The adapter, in addition to the needle, also includes the connection means for connecting an infusion set. The means of connection is the industry standard Luer connection or a proprietary connection for the infusion set.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, it comprises an infusion system for pumping liquid into a body of a user, the infusion system has an infusion pump with a housing, the housing includes a cavity. A liquid storage medium is removably inserted into the cavity of the housing. The liquid storage medium comprises a cartridge and an adapter, so that the adapter removably encloses the cartridge. In addition, the infusion set also has a cover that is attached to the infusion set housing to hold the liquid storage medium in place within the infusion pump housing.

The adapter comprises a housing that is made up of two parts. A part of the housing is placed in the cavity of the infusion pump. This part of the housing can be removably or fixedly attached to the cavity. The second part comprising the cannula and the connecting means is coupled to the first part after inserting the cartridge into the adapter.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the adapter is designed so that it is possible to use a pencil type cartridge type having a coded cap.

In yet another embodiment, the adapter can be designed to function as a spring or damping element to bridge tolerances between the cartridge and the insulin pump housing. To achieve this, the hollow interior of the adapter can be provided with a spring mechanism or any damping material.

In still another embodiment, where the adapter is made up of two parts, the damping element is provided in the part that is fixed to the pump casing.

In yet another embodiment, the adapter may be provided with a valve between the cannula and the connecting means to prevent free flow of the drug from the cartridge to the infusion set when the plunger is not connected to the drive mechanism.

In still another embodiment, the adapter is provided with a mechanism for transferring torque from the adapter to the cartridge. For example, such a mechanism could include a plurality of ribs provided on the inside of the adapter housing.

These and other characteristic features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the appended claims. It should be noted that the scope of the claims is definitely through the recitations therein and not through the specific analysis of the characteristic features and advantages set forth in the present description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention can be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where a similar structure is indicated by like reference numerals, and in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the infusion delivery system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge and adapter in the infusion pump of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge and adapter in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the adapter in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter along lines A-A of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the adapter along line B of Figure 4; Y

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cartridge and housing of the two-part adapter in the infusion pump of Figure 1.

Those skilled in the art appreciate that items in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application or uses.

Referring in particular to Figure 1, an infusion delivery system is generally represented by reference numeral 10. As can be seen from the drawing, the infusion delivery system comprises an infusion pump 12, a means of liquid storage 15, a lid 18 to hold the liquid storage medium 15 in place, and an infusion set (not fully shown) 20 that connects to the liquid cartridge through the lid 18. The infusion pump shown in the drawings it is an insulin pump 12, such as the one sold by Disetronic Medical System under the name Accu-Chek Spirit®. Although an insulin pump is shown, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to insulin pumps, but to any pump that can be used to deliver medications.

The infusion pump 12 comprises a housing 21 having at least one control 22 to control the infusion of medication from the liquid storage means 15. The infusion pump 12 also includes a display 24 to display information pertinent to the operation of the infusion pump 12. Alternatively, infusion pump 12 may have no display and only controls or it may be devoid of display and controls. Although not shown in the drawings, the infusion pump 12 may have additional controls or buttons to effectively operate the infusion pump 12. Although not shown in the drawings, the infusion pump 12 can be remotely controlled to dispense medications using a remote control device, such as a smartphone, PDA, or other mobile device. Although not specifically mentioned, the infusion pump 12 may be a single-use pump so that after dispensing the drug the pump is discarded.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the liquid storage medium 15 comprises a cartridge 14 and an adapter 16. The casing 21 of the infusion pump 12 has a cavity 30 for receiving the liquid storage medium 15. The medium The liquid storage medium 15 can be removably inserted into the cavity so that after the medication is finished, a new liquid storage medium 15 can be inserted into the cavity 30. The liquid storage medium 15, when inserted into opening 30, it cooperates with a drive system 32 that advances a plunger 34 to dispense medication therefrom. Drive system 32 and plunger 34 are well known in the art and are not explained in detail. In operation, when the infusion pump 12 receives the required commands / instructions, the drive system 32 moves the plunger so that the drug is dispensed from the cartridge 14 through the infusion set 20.

Cartridge 14 contains a drug (not shown) to be dispensed. For example, if the infusion pump 12 is an insulin pump, then the cartridge 14 contains insulin. The cartridge can be pre-filled with the medication so that when the medication has been emptied the user will throw away the cartridge. An example of such a pre-filled cartridge 14 is sold by Novo Nordisk A / S under the name Novolog®. Alternatively, the cartridge 14 can be designed so that the user fills the required medication as needed from a vial provided by the appropriate medication manufacturer. As seen in the drawing, the cartridge 14 contains a housing 40 having a first end 42 and a second end 44. Depending on the drug used and its expected shelf life, the housing 40 can be made of plastic, glass or whatever. other suitable material. In one embodiment, when the cartridge 14 is inserted into the cavity 30, the second end 44 cooperates with the drive system 32 of the infusion pump 12. The first end 42 of the cartridge 14 comprises a sealable rubber membrane 46 in which can be removably inserted a hollow needle from adapter 16 (as will be explained in detail). Alternatively, in another embodiment, cartridge 14 and adapter 16 are engaged and then inserted as a unit into cavity 30 of infusion pump 12. In this embodiment, distal end 44 The cartridge 14 engages the drive unit 32 so that the drug in the cartridge 14 can be infused in a controlled manner.

Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, adapter 16 comprises a housing 50 having a first end 52 and a second end 54. Housing 50 of adapter 16 has a hollow interior 56 so that cartridge 14 can be received removably on the inside 56. In such an arrangement, the adapter 16 encloses the cartridge 14. The shape of the housing 50 is such that the adapter 16 can easily fit into the cavity 30 of the infusion system 12. Furthermore, the shape it is compatible with the outer conformation of the cartridge housing 40. As shown, the first end 52 of the adapter is open and the cartridge 14 can be inserted into the adapter 16 through this end. In the embodiment where cartridge 14 is first inserted into infusion pump 12, adapter 16 slidably interconnects on top of cartridge 14 so as to cover cartridge 14. In embodiment where cartridge 14 and adapter 16 are inserted as a unit into infusion pump 14, cartridge 14 slides into the hollow interior 50 of adapter 16, thereby forming the liquid storage medium which is then inserted into the cavity 30 of the housing 21.

With continuous reference to the drawings, the second end 54 of the housing 50 comprises a connection means 58 for connecting the liquid storage means 15 to the infusion set 20. The connection means 58 is a standard luer connection or a proprietary connection to connect infusion set 20 to infusion pump 12. The second end 54 of adapter 16 also includes an integrated cannula 60. As shown, cannula 60 at one end 61 connects form fixed to the interior of the adapter housing 50. Cannula 60 at the opposite end has a sharp tip 62 that extends into housing body 50 of adapter 16. When cartridge 14 is inserted into adapter 16 or when adapter 16 slides over cartridge 14, cannula 60 pierces the rubber membrane 46 of cartridge 14 so that it is in contact with the drug within cartridge 14. Cannula 60 is hollow so that drug can flow into infusion set 20. Cannula 60 can be made in plastic or other materials such as steel.

Although not specifically shown in the drawing, adapter 16 has a locking means to hold cartridge 14 in place. Said fixing means can be provided at the first end 52 or the second end 54 of the adapter housing 50. The attachment means can be provided within the adapter housing 50 or can be provided at any other suitable location. For example, to ensure that adapter 16 can receive different sizes of cartridge in hollow interior 56, it is possible to design interior housing 50 to have some spring means so that cartridge 14 fits into adapter 16. The medium Fixing fixtures to secure or engage adapter 16 may include grooves, ridges, recesses, or any other mechanism that aids in a hermetic fit between adapter 16 and cartridge 14.

In operation, once adapter 16 and cartridge 14 are connected to each other, it may not be possible to separate and reuse one or the other. In other words, once the drug in cartridge 14 is used up, they will be removed as a unit from the infusion pump and disposed of as a unit. Alternatively, it may be possible to separate adapter 16 from cartridge 14 and dispose of them separately.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 7, the adapter 16 comprises a housing 50 which is made up of two parts 50a and 50b. A part 50a of the housing is placed in the cavity 30 of the infusion pump 12. This part of the housing can be removably or fixedly attached to the cavity 30 and around the plunger of the infusion pump. The second part 50b comprising the cannula 60 and the connection means 58 is coupled to or mates with the first part 50a of the housing after inserting the cartridge 14 into the adapter 16. The second part 50b can be coupled to the first part 50a by a different procedure, such as simply placing the second part 50b on top of the first part 50a. Alternatively, the first part 50a or the second part 50b can be connected by fitting the two parts together or by holding the two parts together.

In this embodiment, where the adapter housing 50 is made up of two parts 50a and 50b, it is possible to transfer some of the functionality of the adapter housing to the part 50a that is fixed to the cavity of the pump housing. For example, portion 50a may be provided with a spring or damping material to cover tolerances between the adapter and the pump casing. Furthermore, the part 50a can be coded or provided with a coding mechanism so as to detect the correct fixing of the cartridge and / or the adapter in the pump casing.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the adapter is designed so that it is possible to use a pencil type cartridge type having a coded cap.

In yet another embodiment, the adapter 16 can be designed to function as a spring or damping element to cover the tolerances between the cartridge 14 and the casing 21 of the infusion pump 12. To achieve that, the hollow interior 56 of adapter 16 may be provided with a spring mechanism or any damping material.

In yet another embodiment, adapter 16 may be provided with a valve between cannula 60 and connection means 58 to prevent free flow of the drug to the infusion set if the plunger is not connected to the drive mechanism.

In still another embodiment, adapter 16 is provided with a mechanism for transferring torque from adapter 16 to cartridge 14. For example, such mechanism could include a plurality of ribs 64 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) provided in the hollow interior 56 of the adapter housing 50.

The cap 18 is attached to the casing 21 of the infusion pump after inserting the liquid storage medium 15 into the cavity 30. The cap 18 serves to retain the cartridge 14 in the infusion pump 12. In addition, the cap 18 it also helps perform various functions to operate the infusion pump 12. For example, attaching the cap 18 can lock the cartridge 14 in the pump housing 21 and stop or prevent the dispensing of medication if the cap 18 is not appropriately interconnected with the insulin pump 12. In addition, the cap may serve to waterproof the infusion pump 12. In cases where the infusion pump 12 is a single-use, disposable pump, the cap may block the storage medium for insulin. so that the user cannot reuse it.

To operate the infusion delivery system, the user inserts the liquid storage medium 15 into the cavity 30 so that the cannula 60 integrated in the adapter 16 pierces the rubber membrane. 46 of cartridge 14 to create a fluid path. Lid 18 is then attached to housing 21 so that liquid storage means 15 is held in place within cavity 30, thereby interconnecting drive system 32. Connection means 58 on the adapter 16 is then connected to infusion set 20. The user then initiates commands / instructions using controls on infusion pump 12 or a remote device to pump medication from cartridge 14 into the user's body.

It should be noted that terms such as "preferably", "normally" and "typically" are not used herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain characteristic features are crucial, essential, or even important to structure or function. of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to emphasize alternative or additional characteristic features that may or may not be used in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

For the purpose of describing and defining the present invention, it should be noted that the term "substantially" is used herein to represent the intrinsic degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation can vary from an established reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter in question.

Having described the invention in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, while some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. An infusion system (10) for pumping liquid into the body of a user, the system comprising - an infusion pump (12) with a housing (21), the housing comprising a cavity (30) for receiving a storage medium liquid (15), - and an adapter (16) that can be connected to a cartridge (14) containing medicine, thus forming a liquid storage medium (15) that can be removably inserted into the cavity (30), in the that the adapter (16) comprises a cannula or hollow needle (60) for fluidly connecting the adapter (16) to the cartridge (14) through a sealable rubber membrane (46) of the cartridge when the adapter is connected to the cartridge, wherein the adapter (16) comprises an adapter housing (50, 50a, 50b) having a hollow interior (56) for receiving the cartridge (14), and wherein the adapter (16) further comprises a connection means (58) for removably connecting an infusion set, wherein the connection means is a Luer connection or proprietary connection for the infusion set, and wherein the infusion set (10) comprises also a cover (18) to keep the liquid storage medium (15) in place within the cavity ( 30), coupling the cover (18) to the casing (21) after having inserted the liquid storage medium in the cavity, characterized in that the adapter also comprises a fixing means inside the casing (50, 50a , 50b) of the adapter to provide a tight fit between the adapter (16) and the cartridge (14). The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the adapter (16) is provided with a torque transferring mechanism (64) for transferring the torque from the adapter to the cartridge (14), for coupling a piston (34) of the cartridge with a drive unit (32) of the infusion pump (12). The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the torque transfer mechanism (64) comprises a plurality of ribs (64) provided in the hollow interior (56) of the adapter housing (50). The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a cartridge (14) connected to the adapter (16). The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (50) of the adapter (16) comprises a part (50a) that can be removably or fixedly fixed to the cavity (30). 6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the adapter (16) is provided with a spring material to cover the tolerances between the cartridge (14) and the housing (50, 50a, 50b) of the adapter and / or - the adapter housing is made up of two parts (50a, 50b), in which a first part (50a) is provided with a spring or a damping material to cover the tolerances between the adapter (16) and the housing (21) pump and / or - the adapter (16) is designed so that it functions as a spring or damping element to cover the tolerances between the cartridge (14) and the casing (21) of the infusion pump, in which the hollow interior (56) of the adapter (16) is provided with a spring mechanism or damping material. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (50) of the adapter (16) is formed by two parts (50a, 50b), in which a first part (50a) is placed inside the cavity (30), and a second part (50b) comprising the cannula (60) and the connecting means (58) can be coupled to or mated with the first part (50a) after the cartridge (14) has been connected to adapter (16). The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the first part (50a) and the second part (50b) can be connected by fitting the two parts together. The system according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the adapter (16) further comprises a valve between the connection means (58) and the cannula (60) so that the valve prevents free flow of the liquid. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (16) and the cartridge (14) cannot be separated after they have been connected.